The South African Council of Churches celebrates with the people of Zimbabwe the miracle of peaceful elections. In our search for signs of hope, the unexpectedly peaceful staging of these elections is a cause for celebration.

The SACC has been following socio-political and economic developments in Zimbabwe over an extended period of time. Since the Zimbabwe referendum of 2000, the SACC has become increasingly concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe and has worked closely with churches in Zimbabwe, supporting them in their efforts to find a peaceful solution to growing political conflict.

We view this new period as an opportunity to restore Zimbabwe to its former position in the region. It is our hope that all parties will seize this new moment to take bold and lasting steps toward justice and peace in Zimbabwe. The people of Zimbabwe have placed their hopes for the future in these elections; we trust that political leaders will not let them down.

Even as we celebrate the elections, we are aware that there were serious problems. In particular, we regret the position taken by Zimbabwean government's refusal to accord civil society and church groups their rightful role as election observers. The Zimbabwean authorities chose not to respond to our application that has been submitted through our sister Council, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. Our application was submitted to the Zimbabwe Minister of Foreign Affairs at least three weeks prior to the election. ZANU-PF treated the election observation process as a private party, to which only its closest friends should be invited, rather than a matter of national concern.

As we now look forward to the post-election period, we call on all parties to work together to address the suffering of Zimbabwe's people and to ensure that all enjoy a better life in the future. In particular, we call on:

• Zimbabwe's churches to continue to play a leadership role in promoting dialogue and consensus among social forces, in particular in mediating between ZANU-PF and the MDC;
• The South African government and SADC to facilitate interparty talks in Zimbabwe;
• Political parties in Zimbawe to work together to tackle the nations urgent economic problems, to alleviate hunger and unemployment and to put aside party squabbles;
• Zimbabwe civil society to play an active, constructive and non-partisan role in discussions about constitutional reforms which will be debated in parliament and the society at large;
• All South Africans to continue to support a process of reconciliation and reform in Zimbabwe and the quest for a lasting political solution that will help to combat the growing refugee crisis in the region.

The SACC remains committed to dialogue with and accompaniment of our Zimbabwean counterparts. In this way, we are determined to heed the calls from ordinary Zimbabweans as they search for peaceful solutions. We shall not and can not rest as long as people of Zimbabwe have to flee their country in search for a better life.

For more information: Dr. Molefe Tsele, 082 458 2037